Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.3876 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located at the rear of 3901 East Saunders St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. . ZC-80-2002

Initiated by:

Calixto Seca

Staff source:

Keith Selman, Planning Director

Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager

Prior action: This item was introduced by Hector J. Garcia at the City Council meeting of 12/16/02.

BACKGROUND

Council District: II - Hector J. Garcia

Proposed use: Commercial

Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped.

Surrounding land uses: The site is surrounded by vacant and undeveloped land with the exceptions of Paul Young Auto Mall to the northeast, McCoy's Building Supply, Charro Imports, and McCombs Auto Sales to the north.

Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Retail/Office and Medium Density Residential.

Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies this portion of Saunders St. as a Truck Route and a Major Arterial.

Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 9 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0

STAFF COMMENTS

The proposed zone change is appropriate for this site. Though the Comprehensive Plan designates the southern portion of this tract as Medium Density Residential and the northern portion as Retail/Office, only one zoning designation shall be permitted as this entire tract is to be platted as one lot. The proposed commercial zoning is consistent with a large majority of the surrounding zoning and, though sparse, compatible with the surrounding land uses.

P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:

The P & Z Commission, in a 9 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the zone change.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff supports the proposed zone change.

B-3 (Community Business District): The purpose of the B-3 District is to provide for those businesses and services serving a trade area larger than a neighborhood, but smaller than the entire city and located primarily along minor or principal arterial streets, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily abutting minor or principal arterial streets while preserving established residential neighborhoods along such streets.

Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?

No. The established land use pattern, though sparse, is commercial along the corridor and vacant and undeveloped farther to the interior. There are two residences visible in the interior areas.

Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?

No. The surrounding zoning districts are R-1A, AG and B-3.

Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?

N/A

Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accordance with existing zoning? No, the existing zoning allows for residential uses.

CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2003-O-005

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.3876 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located at the rear of 3901 East Saunders St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.

WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owners of 4.3876 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located at the rear of 3901 East Saunders St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); and,

WHEREAS, the required written notices were sent to surrounding property owners at least ten (10) days before the public hearing held before the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 21, 2002; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended approval of the proposed zone change; and,

WHEREAS, notice of the zone change request was advertised in the newspaper at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing held before the City of Laredo City Council on this matter; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing on December 16, 2002, on the request and finds the zone change appropriate and consistent with the General Plan of the City of Laredo; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council does not consider the impact, if any, of private covenants and deed restrictions on the subject property with the adoption of this ordinance; and,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO THAT:

Section 1: The Zoning Map of the City of Laredo be and is hereby amended by rezoning 4.3876 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A", located at the rear of 3901 East Saunders St., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).

Section 2: This ordinance shall be published in a manner provided by Section 2.09 (D) of the Charter of the City of Laredo.

Section 3: This ordinance shall become effective as and from the date of publication specified in Section 2.

PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE __________ DAY OF _________________, 2002.